اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min al-hammi wal-hazan, wa a'udhu bika min al-'ajzi wal-kasal, wa a'udhu bika min al-jubni wal-buhl, wa a'udhu bika min ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you're preparing for or engaging in night worship (Qiyam al-Layl or Tahajjud). If you find your mind racing with worries, feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures, or simply experiencing a lack of motivation that feels rooted in fear or inadequacy, reciting this dua can bring immense relief.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Raise your hands if you feel inclined, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did for supplication. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, visualizing yourself being freed from these afflictions by Allah's grace. It's best recited before you begin your prayers or in the moments between your prayers, when you are already in a state of heightened devotion.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his dearest companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), addresses some of the most debilitating internal struggles. Seeking refuge in Allah from distress (hamm) and sorrow (hazan) directly combats the anxiety that can plague the mind, especially during quiet hours. Protecting yourself from incapacity ('ajz) and laziness (kasal) bolsters your resolve to worship and perform good deeds. The refuge sought from cowardice (jubn) and stinginess (buhl) strengthens your spiritual and moral character, making you more courageous in your faith and generous in spirit. Overcoming the fear of debt and subjugation by others (ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal) grants a profound sense of peace and freedom, allowing your focus to remain on your connection with Allah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Bakr: I said to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me some words that I may say in the morning and evening.' He said, 'O Abu Bakr, say: O Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, I seek from You a covenant in this world and in the Hereafter. I seek from You the right way of conduct in this world and in the Hereafter. O Allah, I ask You, for the ability to remain grateful and to worship You well. O Allah, I ask You for a sound body and a righteous resolve, and I ask You for the perfect blessing and a true heart, and for the tongue that truthfully narrates. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what you know. O Allah, I ask You for the good which You know, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of the throne (of power). O Allah, Knower of the hidden and the manifest, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Lord of all things and their sovereign, the Giver of life and death, I seek from You the good of this day and the good of what follows it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this day and the evil of what follows it. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from laziness and bad old age; and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the Fire and the punishment of the grave.' Then he taught me another supplication, and he often used to say it: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from distress and sorrow, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming of debt and the subjugation of men.' Abu Bakr said: 'So I recited them and sought refuge through them.' The Prophet ﷺ said: 'O Abu Bakr, why don't you learn these words? None seeking refuge like these.'